Article for forming a loop with affixation means

ABSTRACT

An article for forming a loop is provided. A strip is provided having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible. The strip includes a base portion adjacent the first end of the strip. The base portion has an affixation element on the second surface of the base portion. The strip includes a flexible body portion. The strip further includes an anchor portion at the second end of the strip. The anchor portion includes at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion. A slot is provided for receiving the anchor portion. The slot includes a receiving channel sized to accept the anchor portion when the body portion is formed into a loop.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/818,362, filed Jul. 3, 2006, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally, to the field plastic strips used to form loops for attaching objects to surfaces, and more particularly, to plastic loop-forming strips having an affixation means for attaching the strip to a surface.

BACKGROUND

There are many reasons people choose to affix objects on or to walls and ceilings. In the art and decorative fields, objects are often attached or hung from walls to create aesthetically pleasing displays. Rather than affixing paintings or posters, artists and decorators often choose to hang three-dimensional objects, cloth or wall hangings to create various visual effects

Of course, one does not have to be an artist or decorator to affix objects to a wall or ceiling. People often affix objects to walls, ceilings or other surfaces for various reasons. In some cases, people wish to create their own decorative “spaces.” Such decorative objects can include flags, wall hangings, cloth, or any object a person wishes to display. People may also wish to attach photograph or photograph frames to, for example, a refrigerator or other surface.

Currently there is no simple, inexpensive, effective and decorative way to hang objects on walls or ceilings. While hooks may be used, hooks often require a permanent hole in a wall or ceiling. In addition, hooks do not add to an interesting aesthetic environment.

There is therefore the need for an item that is simple to manufacture for the purpose of hanging objects on a wall or ceiling.

There is further the need for an item that can be easily be formed into a loop for hanging objects from a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

There is yet further the need for an item that is inexpensive for hanging objects from a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

There is even further the need for an item that can be shipped flat and formed into a loop for hanging objects from a surface such as a wall or ceiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A unique article for forming a loop is provided. A strip is provided having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible. The strip includes a a base portion adjacent the first end of the strip. The base portion having an affixation element on the second surface of the base portion. The strip includes a flexible body portion. The strip further includes an anchor portion at the second end of the strip. The anchor portion includes at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion. A slot is located between the base portion and the second end. The slot includes a receiving channel sized to accept the anchor portion when the body portion is formed into a loop.

A method for forming a loop for hanging an object is also provided, comprising the steps of: bending the second end of the strip toward the first end; twisting the body portion of the strip so that it is flexed; aligning the anchor portion of the strip with the receiving channel; and, pushing the anchor portion of the strip through the receiving channel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a strip according to the present invention formed into a loop.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a strip according to the present invention in a flat state.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the strip according to the present invention in a flat state.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of a strip according to the present invention in a flat state.

FIG. 5 shows side view of a strip according to the present invention in a flat state.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a strip according to the present invention with the second end aligned to insert into a slot and form a loop.

FIG. 7 shows a strip according to the present invention formed into a loop and affixing a stretch fabric to a surface.

FIG. 8 shows a decorative stretch fabric affixed to the walls and ceiling of a room by a plurality of strips according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a decorative stretch fabric affixed to the walls and ceiling of a room by a plurality of strips according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a corner of a stretch fabric to be affixed to a surface by a strip according to the present invention with a reinforced button hole.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slot formed through a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slot formed through a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 13A shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 13B shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 14A shows a stretch fabric to be affixed to a surface by a strip according to the present invention in a non-stretched and stretched state.

FIG. 14B shows a stretch fabric to be affixed to a surface by a strip according to the present invention in a non-stretched and stretched state.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a strip according to the present invention including a magnet as the affixation element.

FIG. 16 shows a kit including a plurality of strips of various sizes according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment of the slot of the strip of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slot formed through a strip according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following detailed description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Several embodiments of a strip of the present invention are disclosed here and in the Figures. For clarity, within this document all reference to the “upper” and/or “top” and “lower” and/or “bottom” of the strip will correspond to the strip as oriented in FIGS. 2-5. The “upper” and/or “top” of the strip as oriented in FIGS. 2-5 is also referred to herein as the “first end,” and the “lower” and/or “bottom” is referred to as the “second end.”

FIGS. 1-6 show an embodiment of the present strip 10, having a first end 12, a second end 14 opposite the first end 12, a first surface 18 and a second surface 20 opposite the first surface 18. The strip 10 is preferably formed from a thin, flexible vinyl or other plastic material, but may also be formed in whole or in part from any thin, lightweight, flexible or elastic material such as a metal, rubber, NEOPRENE®, or any other materials suitable for forming a loop as described herein. At least a portion of the strip 10 must be flexible in order to form a loop, as described in greater detail below.

The strip 10 includes a base portion 16 adjacent the first end 12 of the strip 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-7. The base portion 16 may be generally rectangular in shape, but can be of any shape, and includes an affixation element 22 on the rear of the base portion 16. The affixation element may be provided as an adhesive pad, tab or strip, a mounting adhesive, double stick tape, a magnet 25 as shown in FIG. 15, or other acceptable means for affixing the strip 10 to a surface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the affixation element 22 may be an adhesive pad 24 or strip such as those made by 3M Company under the brand name COMMAND™ ADHESIVE. The adhesive pad 24 may include an adhesive surface 26 and a removable backing 28.

A slot 30 is provided positioned adjacent the base portion 16, between the base portion 16 and the second end 14 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The slot 30 includes a receiving channel 48, which is preferably a longitudinal receiving channel 48, running along the longitudinal length of the slot 30. The slot 30 preferably includes a longitudinal portion 32, and a transverse portion 34 running perpendicular to the longitudinal portion 32. In a preferred embodiment, the slot 30 is generally T-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The receiving channel 48 may be formed between the end of the longitudinal portion 32 of the slot 30 proximate the first end 12 of the strip 10 and the edge of the transverse portion 34 of the slot 30 that is proximate the second end 14 of the strip 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A generally circular portion 35 communicating with the longitudinal portion 32 may be provided instead of the transverse portion 34, as shown in FIG. 11, with a receiving channel 48. In an alternate embodiment, the slot 30 may be formed having an ovoid shape having a longitudinal length greater than the width of the slot 30, as shown in FIG. 17, where the receiving channel 48 is the longitudinal length of the slot. In an alternate embodiment, the slot 30 may be formed having a lower portion formed as a generally triangular shape, as shown in FIG. 20, with a receiving channel 48 formed along the longitudinal length of the slot 30. The slot 10 may be of any configuration or geometric shape whereby a receiving channel 48 is formed for receiving an anchor portion, as described in greater detail below.

The slot may alternately be formed in a cross shape, as shown in FIG. 12, having a longitudinal portion 32 and a transverse portion 34. In that embodiment, the receiving channel 48 may be considered as running the length of the longitudinal portion 32, or the width of the transverse portion 34.

The second end 14 of the strip 10 comprises an anchor portion 36. The anchor portion 36 is preferably formed as an extension having a curved end 38, and at least one flange 40 moveable relative to the body portion 44 of the strip 10. Preferably, two flexible flanges 40 a, 40 b are provided extending from the anchor portion 36 toward the first end 12 of the strip 10. The flanges 40 a, 40 b form spaces 42 a, 42 b between the flanges 40 a, 40 b and the flexible body portion 44 and/or neck portion 58 of the strip 10 (depending on the length selected for the flanges 40 a, 40 b. The flanges 40 a, 40 b are preferably formed from a flexible material and are adapted to be moveable relative to the body portion 44 and/or neck portion 58 of the strip 10, and in particular moveable toward the body portion 44 and/or neck portion 58 of the strip 10.

The anchor portion 36 includes a neck portion 58 sized to have a width less than the width 56 of the transverse portion 34 of the slot 30, so that the neck portion 58 is received in the transverse portion 34 when a loop 46 is formed as shown in FIG. 1. It is appreciated that the any part of the strip 10, slot 30, body portion 44, anchor portion 36 and/or the flanges 40 a, 40 b may be any size and shape without departing from the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the anchor portion may have a generally straight end, or a concave shape. Similarly, the base portion may be trapezoidal in shape, circular, ovoid, triangular, or any other shape. The first end 12 of the strip 10 may similarly be any shape or configuration, such as scalloped, rounded, or curved. The first end 12 or second 14 of the strip 10 can include ornamental designs or molding adding to the aesthetic appeal of the strip 10, without departing from the principles of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the anchor portion 36 has a width 50 that is somewhat larger than the length of the receiving channel 48. The spaces 42 a, 42 b allow some movement of the flexible flanges 40 a, 40 b, so that the anchor portion 36 can be pushed through the receiving channel 48 of the slot 30, and the flanges 40 a, 40 b will be biased toward the flexible body portion 44 and/or neck portion 58. Thus, a flexible flanges 40 a, 40 b can be biased from a first orientation, to a second flexed orientation. The flexible flanges 40 a, 40 b can then return to the first (non-flexed) orientation. This arrangement allows for snapping engagement of the anchor portion 36 through the receiving channel 48. The anchor portion 36 is preferably sized and shaped so that once the anchor portion 36 passes through the slot 30 from the first 18 to the second surface 20, the anchor portion 36 is preventing from passing back through the slot 30 by the flanges 40 a, 40 b, shown in FIG. 1.

Alternately, the anchor portion 36 may also be sized having a width that is less than the length of the receiving channel 48. The anchor portion 36 may also be sized so that the distance 52 measured from a flange 40 a, 40 b to the tip 54 of the anchor portion 36 is less than the length of the receiving channel 48, for angular insertion through the receiving channel 48. According to these arrangements, the anchor portion 36 may be manipulated or placed at an angle for fitting through the receiving channel 48. The distance between the flanges 40 a, 40 b should preferably be greater than the width 56 of the transverse portion 34, or the circular portion 35 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

A loop 46 as shown in FIG. 1 is formed as follows. The flexible body portion 44 of the strip 10 may be bent or folded from a first flat position to a second bent or folded position so that the anchor portion 36 is moved toward the first end 12 of the strip 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. By twisting or turning the flexible body portion 44 from a first lateral position to a second longitudinal position, as shown in FIG. 6, the anchor portion 36 may be manipulated so that it is longitudinally aligned with and may fit through the receiving channel 48, passing the anchor portion 36 from the first surface 18 to the second surface 20 of the strip 10. The flanges 40 a, 40 b may flex toward the body portion 44 to allow passage of the anchor portion 36 through the receiving channel 48.

When the flanges 40 a, 40 b of the anchor portion 36 pass through the receiving channel 48, they will flex and return to their original positions, the so that the flanges 40 a, 40 b will prevent the anchor portion 36 from passing back through the slot 30. When the flexible body portion 44 of the strip 10 is released (no longer twisted or bent) or turned, the anchor portion 36 will return to its non-flexed state, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the anchor portion 36 will align laterally with the neck portion 58 positioned within the transverse portion 34 of the slot 30. The flanges 40 a, 40 b may rest against the second surface 20 of the strip 10, preventing the anchor portion 36 from moving back through the slot 30. The strip 10 is thus formed into a loop 46, capable of engaging and holding a portion of an object, and thereby connecting or affixing the object to a surface when the strip 10 is attached by the affixation element 22 to the surface.

In use, the strips 10 are offered and sold in the flat state, as shown in FIGS. 2-5. Where an adhesive pad 24 is used as the affixation element 22, when a person, such as a decorator, wishes to affix an object to a surface using the strip 10, the backing 28 is peeled from the adhesive pad 24. The adhesive surface 26 of the adhesive pad 24 is then pressed onto the selected surface. Where a magnet 25 is used as the affixation element 22, the affixation element 22 is affixed upon a magnetically attractable surface.

To summarize: The flexible body portion 44 is bent, folded or turned toward the first end 12, with the anchor portion 36 moved toward the slot 30. The flexible body portion 44 is twisted so that the anchor portion 36 is aligned with the receiving channel 48. The anchor portion 36 is placed through the receiving channel 48. The flexible body portion 44 is released, or turned by a user, so that it may return to its non-flexed or lateral position. A loop 46 is formed, with the flanges 40 a, 40 b of the anchor portion 36 engaging the second surface 20 of the strip.

The unique design of the present invention is such that the strip 10 and the loop 46 formed by the strip may be oriented in any direction to affix items to a surface. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, several strips 10 of the present invention may be used to affix a decorative stretch fabric 68 a, 68 b, also referred to as a “space changer,” to the walls 62 and ceiling 64 of a room 66.

The stretch fabric 68 a of FIGS. 9 and 14A has a triangular shape, and stretches to a larger generally triangular shape having concave sides. The stretch fabric 68 b of FIGS. 8, 14B has a generally rectangular configuration, and stretches to a larger generally rectangular configuration with concave sides. The fabrics 68 a and 68 b are shown in their non-stretched and stretched states in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Preferably, the stretch fabrics 68 a, 68 b are formed from a stretchable lycra or mesh, and may be of any color or pattern. Reinforced button holes 70 are formed at the corners 72 of the stretch fabrics 68 a, 68 b, as shown in FIG. 10.

To mount the stretch fabrics 68 a, 68 b to a surface or surfaces, a plurality strips 10 of the present invention may be mounted on surfaces, such as walls 62 and ceiling 64 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The second end 14 of a strip 10 is passed through a hole 70 in the corner 72 of the stretch fabric 68 a, 68 b, and formed into a loop 46 as described above. This is repeated with each corner 72 of the stretch fabric 68 a, 68 b, until a unique decorative room space changer is formed, affixed to the various surfaces by the strips 10 of the present invention.

The strips 10 can easily be oriented at any selected angle, as shown in FIG. 7. When an object such as the stretch fabric 68 a, 68 b pulls on a loop 46 formed by a strip 10, the object will pull the anchor portion 36 against the second surface 20, so that the pulling force creates a more secure or tightened loop 46. This will also be the case when the strip 10 is oriented as in FIGS. 1-5, and an objects pulls a loop 46 closed via gravity.

The strips 10 of the present invention can be used in many arrangements. The materials selected for the strips 10 can be used to create aesthetically pleasing arrangements. For example, the strips 10 can be formed as translucent strips, or with colors matching or contrasting with the surface to which the strips 10 are attached. The strips 10 can be offered or packaged in kits 80, as shown in FIG. 16, having a plurality of strips 10 of various sizes and colors. The strips 10 may also be packaged with the affixation elements 22, such as adhesive pads 24 of various sizes, separate from the strips 10, whereby a user would attach the adhesive pads 24 when they are ready to affix a strip 10 to a surface.

While in a preferred embodiment the strip 10 is formed as a one-piece plastic, flexible strip, it is appreciated that the strip 10 may be formed of different materials, or formed in different pieces that are joined together, without departing from the present invention. For example, the base portion 16 may be formed as a rigid or hard plastic or metal member, with the flexible body portion 44 extending therefrom. The anchor portion 36 may be formed from a substantially rigid or hard plastic or metal, while the flanges 40 a, 40 b are formed from a flexible material, such as plastic, elastic, rubber, or metal. Any combinations of materials may be employed in practicing the present invention.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the strip 10 of the present invention may be formed with the base portion 16 and/or affixation element 22 located in different positions along the strip, without departing from the present invention. For example as show in FIG. 18, a rear view of another embodiment of a strip 10 according to the present invention, the slot 30 may be located adjacent the first end 12 of the strip 10, with the affixation element 22 such as an adhesive pad 24 located between the slot 30 and the second end 14 of the strip 10. A loop 46 is formed by inserting the anchor portion 36 through the slot 30 as previously described. In yet another embodiment of a strip 10 according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 19, the base portion 16 and an affixation element 22, such as an adhesive pad 24, are located adjacent the second end 14 of the strip 10, while the slot 30 is located adjacent the first end 12 of the strip 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the base portion 16 essentially acts as the anchor portion 36, and a loop 46 is formed by inserting the base portion 16 through the slot 30, and affixing the affixation element 22 to a surface, as previously described. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the base portion 16 and anchor portion 36 may be essentially combined, or position at the same end of the strip 10.

Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein. 

1. An article for forming a loop, comprising: a strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible, the strip comprising; a base portion on the second surface having an affixation element; a flexible body portion; an anchor portion at the second end of the strip, the anchor portion including at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion; and, a slot extending through the strip defining a receiving channel sized to receive the anchor portion when the body portion is formed into a loop.
 2. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the receiving channel is a longitudinal channel.
 3. The article for forming a loop of claim 2, wherein the anchor portion is adapted to pass through the slot from the first surface to the second surface of the strip.
 4. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion is adapted to pass through the slot from the first surface to the second surface of the strip.
 5. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the slot further comprises a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, and wherein the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion in combination form the receiving channel.
 6. The article for forming a loop of claim 5, wherein the anchor portion further comprises a neck portion having a width, and wherein the width of the neck portion is less than the width of the transverse portion of the slot.
 7. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the affixation element comprises an adhesive.
 8. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the affixation element comprises a magnet.
 9. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion has a width greater than the length of the receiving channel.
 10. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion engages the slot in a snapping engagement.
 11. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion includes a flexible first flange and a flexible second flange on opposite sides of the anchor portion, the flanges moveable relative to the body portion.
 12. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the base portion is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the slot is located between the base portion and the anchor portion of the strip.
 13. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the base portion is located between the slot and the anchor portion of the strip.
 14. The article for forming a loop of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the base portion is positioned adjacent the second end of the strip.
 15. A method for forming a loop, comprising the steps of: (a) Providing a strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible, the strip comprising a base portion on the second surface having an affixation element, a flexible body portion, an anchor portion at the second end of the strip, the anchor portion including at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion, and, a slot extending through the strip defining a receiving channel sized to receive the anchor portion; (b) bending the second end of the strip toward the first end; (c) twisting the body portion of the strip so that it is flexed; (d) aligning the anchor portion of the strip with the receiving channel; and, (e) pushing the anchor portion of the strip through the receiving channel.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of permitting the body portion to untwist after step (e). 